Jake Kauppila
Jake Kauppila

No. 13 Vermont Tops Bentley in Series Opener

BURLINGTON, Vt. – 13th ranked Vermont opened the second half of the season with a 7-1 victory over visiting Bentley University at Gutterson Fieldhouse Friday night in the first ever meeting between the two teams. Freshman Jake Kauppila (Gurnee, Ill./Trail) had the goal for Bentley.

Bentley started strongly and forced Vermont goalie Stefanos Lekkas into some early big saves in the 1st period, and had a total of 10 shots on goal in the opening period. However, it was the Catamounts that got on the scoreboard first. With UVM on their second power play, forward Rob Darrar converted at 7:10 to give the Catamounts a 1-0 lead. That was the first of two goals on the night for Darrar.

The Falcons kept it 1-0 throughout the 1st period, but Vermont netted five goals in the 2nd, with three on the power play, to open up a 6-0 lead after two periods.

Kauppila's goal came at 6:26 of the 3rd period, his 2nd of the season, assisted by senior Mike Berry (Edmonton, Alberta/Sherwood Park) and freshman forward Matt Riggleman (Milford, Mich./Sioux Falls).

Freshman goalie Aidan Pelino (Oakville, Ontario/Chilliwack) came on in the 3rd period and made 20 saves.

The two teams will be back at it Saturday afternoon for a 4:00 pm start as the Falcons will look to gain a split of the series.